The Broken Bridge

A Succulent Sleuth Cozy Mystery

Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
226 Pages
Reviewed on 11/19/2022
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

The Broken Bridge by Iris March is a Succulent Sleuth Cozy Mystery. Molly Green enjoys her work in her late grandmother's garden center where she's found a place for herself. Her peaceful existence receives a shake-up when news breaks about a backpacker disappearing, confirmed by the findings that include a broken walking stick. The police don't think that the backpacker just disappeared and neither does Molly, who is sent into a tailspin when she begins to suspect that someone near her could be responsible. Unsure what to believe, Molly digs deeper into the case but the answers she uncovers may be more than she bargained for.

Nature plays a role in the story, becoming almost another character. Iris March has a knack for capturing the peacefulness of nature with a genuineness that shines through her writing. The opening sets up the mystery as a casual hike into the woods leads to the discovery of a backpack and a broken walking stick. At the center of the mystery is Molly who is pulled into the middle via the connection to her family. March grounds the mystery in reality with the credibility of the characters and their experiences, such as Molly's struggle to conceive. Her experience subtly shines a light on a real and common battle that is set against this lighthearted background. Great attention to detail is seen in the writing with examples being a gussied-up sandwich, verbose wanderings, and her worry seeping into the floorboards. The story provides humor through the characters and their dynamics, with one, in particular, being between Molly and her friend Claudia. The Broken Bridge is a fast-paced read that blends the love for plants and nature with a murder mystery, fertility struggles, and the curiosity of a headstrong sleuth.